Lindeen Hosts Anti-Fraud Documentary Screenings Across State

HELENA, MT – Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Monica J. Lindeen will host a series of event screenings of a made-in-Montana documentary highlighting investment fraud in the state, part of her ongoing effort to help Montanans protect themselves against fraud and steer clear of scams.

The documentary Gold Diggers: Investment Fraud in the Treasure State, tells the story of two of Montana’s most infamous investment scams in recent history: the Art Heffelfinger Ponzi scheme in Montana City and the Anne Schlenker investment theft in Bozeman. The event, which includes a complimentary meal for attendees, is funded by a grant from the nonprofit Investor Protection Trust (IPT).

“Scam artists continue to show up in Montana and find new ways to separate hard-working Montanans from their money,” said Lindeen.  “Modern-day gold diggers can make a life’s savings disappear in the blink of an eye. But the more you know about spotting fraud and where to turn for help and information, the less likely you are to be taken advantage of by a scam artist.”

The first event is in Plains on April 13. The tour will reach 28 Montana cities and towns over the next year.

There is no admission fee but seating at each screening is limited, and attendees are encouraged to make reservations by calling the Commissioner’s office at 1-800-332-6148 or online at www.csimt.gov/fraudtour.

Narrated by award-winning actor Bill Pullman, Gold Diggers tracks two recent cases of investment fraud in Montana that combined robbed dozens of Montana investors of more than $3 million, leaving victims in financial ruin.  The film features interviews with victims, securities experts, and the regulators and attorneys who investigated and prosecuted the two scams.

To learn more about Gold Diggers: Investment Fraud in the Treasure State, visit the Commissioner’s website at www.csimt.gov/fraudtour. To register for an event, visit www.csimt.gov/fraudtour or call the Commissioner’s office at 1-800-332-6148. To report suspicious activity or fraud, or to check if a broker or investment opportunity is licensed in the state, call the Commissioner’s office at 1-800-332-6148.

Lindeen’s office produced Gold Diggers with a grant from the Investor Protection Trust (www.investorprotection.org), a nationally-recognized nonprofit organization devoted to investor education. Since 1993 the IPT has worked with the States to provide the independent, objective investor education needed by all Americans to make informed investment decisions. All funding for the Trust comes from voluntary and court-ordered contributions from criminals who commit investment fraud. When the Commissioner’s office prosecutes cases of investment fraud, the Commissioner can request a contribution to the Trust as part of the settlement, but only after the victims are made whole and fines to the state have been paid. The IPT helps pay for the expenses associated with bringing the documentary across Montana, including meals.

View segments of the documentary.

Gold Diggers: Innocent Victims and Gold Diggers: Trust Betrayed

Investor Fraud Events (Spring 2016)